Communicating scientific research beyond academia is an essential skill for today’s scientists. As part of the Communicating Science module, Earth and Environmental Sciences students at The University of Manchester were challenged to transform complex scientific research into engaging content for a range of audiences and media formats.

From magazine features and news articles to business-focused analysis, students explored innovative ways of making scientific research accessible, relevant and impactful. The projects below were selected by the module team as four of the standout submissions, demonstrating both excellent science communication and creative storytelling.

Explore the projects below to discover how these students have tackled topics ranging from climate change and public health to neuroscience and climate resilience.

Project 1 – Climate change could lead to noisier planes at your local airport by Daniel Munarriz

How might climate change affect something as familiar as aircraft noise? This project explores emerging research suggesting that warmer temperatures could alter aircraft take-off performance, increasing noise pollution for communities living near airports. Written in the style of a national newspaper article, it examines the science behind the findings while considering the wider implications for public health, urban planning and future aviation policy.

Project 2 – Climate change causing deadly bacteria to spread – scientists warn it could reach the UK by Grace Nicholls

Climate change is reshaping ecosystems in ways that could have important consequences for human health. In this newspaper-style feature, the student investigates research predicting that rising temperatures may allow harmful bacteria to spread into new regions, including the UK. The article explains the science behind these projections and highlights how a changing climate could influence future disease risks and the importance of global approaches such as One Health.

Mind Over Pain: How Mindfulness Meditation Rewires the Brain to Ease Pain by Xinyu Liu

Can meditation change the way the brain experiences pain? This engaging feature explores the growing field of neuroscience investigating mindfulness as a tool for pain management. Combining personal storytelling with scientific evidence, the article examines how researchers are uncovering the brain mechanisms involved in pain perception while exploring the ongoing debate around the role of the placebo effect.

Compound climate extremes: What businesses need to know by Mukhreez Hakim

As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather, businesses are facing new and interconnected risks. This article translates recent climate research into practical insights for industry, exploring how combinations of heatwaves, floods and droughts could disrupt infrastructure, supply chains and global markets. Written for a professional audience, it demonstrates how scientific evidence can inform strategic decision-making and climate resilience.